Cheers

The time has come. Here I sit, writing my last London blog entry as I pull another all-nighter so I can catch a cab to Heathrow Express at 5 in the morning. You do what you have to do, I guess. It hasn't hit me yet...that I'm leaving...and not coming back after the holidays. More than that, I can't believe I'm done with my Bachelor's degree. 3 and a half years has never been such a journey. I'm a completely different person now than I was when I first started out on this college endeavor. And I'm proud to say I am happy with who I am, where I stand, and what I have accomplished. I have, in a way, come from death to life, and living never felt so good.

I said good-bye to my peers and flat mates tonight. Oddly enough, I didn't cry. I think a part of me will always be here in London and with Laban, and I will definitely be keeping in touch with those who have enriched my life during my stay. I can see myself living in London in the future, but for now, home will be a good place to be. I don't think I'll realize how much I miss London and how much it means to me until I am back in Twin Falls, and out of the picture.

This past week was full of temporary farewells. I got through all my assessments, papers, make up classes, and Christmas shopping. I got to see some of my peers perform, as well as the Transitions Dance Company. And to top it off, I had the privilege of witnessing an all-male cast of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. Bourne attended Laban, and this was the first time I have seen his work. It was funny, witty, and elegant all at once. It was interesting to see male partnering, as well as such acting in a ballet. There were moments when the men would breathe together, and it sent chills up my spine. The contortion of the lines was brilliantly choreographed, and I just sat watching in awe. Opening night is always special to be a part of, and the ballet got what it deserved: a standing ovation. Getting to see one of the most famous ballet's in London with a full house was the perfect last performance for me to attend.

Besides Swan Lake, I went to see The Phantom of the Opera for the second time in my life, just on a whim. I was sitting so close that I could see the details of the Phantom's distorted face, as well as the eyes of the actors. The cast was strong, and they carried out their voices throughout the performance. It was well worth the pounds. I am looking forward to the sequel.

I don't regret a thing about how I spent my time here in London. I honestly feel like this is where my life is, and I'm living here, doing life here, and that this is the way things are. But I know I will face a different reality tomorrow when I get on a plane to come back to the states. I am looking forward to the holidays with friends and family, as well as figuring out my next plan of action, but there are things I will definitely miss about London. But the good news is that it will always be here, and now that I have more connections, I have more opportunities.

I think the greatest thing I have learned while being here is that in the end, all that matters is the relationships we make. It doesn't matter through what way we influence as long as we are impacting the lives of those around us. And now that I understand this, I feel as if I can go back to America, and truly wake up and live. Cheers.